RIVER MOUNTAINS TRAIL PARTNERSHIP
POSITION ON - RAILROAD PASS HELIPORT
OVERALL:
The River Mountains Trail Partnership has actively
participated in the planning and development of the River Mountains Loop Trail.
The River Mountains Loop Trail is a multiple use, multi-jurisdictional trail
approximately 35 miles in length. The trail is 95% funded, has 10 miles
completed, 3-miles ready to bid, and the remaining 22 miles at various stages of
design.
GOALS:
The goals
for the trail are:
§
Planned and developed in a manner that protects sensitive natural,
cultural and historic resources;
HISTORY OF THE RIVER
MOUNTAINS TRAIL PARTNERSHIP:
The River Mountains Trail Partnership was established in
1996 and shared a common goal – expanding trail opportunities in the southeast
Las Vegas Valley to increase close-to-home recreational opportunities for the
benefit of local residents, as well as visitors to the area. The River Mountains
Trail Advisory Board composed of representatives of 29 public and private
agencies and organizations has been meeting since 1998 to plan and implement the
construction of the Trail. The Bureau of Reclamation and the City of Henderson
has both been active partners in this endeavor with 7 completed miles (soon to
be 10) on BOR managed lands within Henderson City limits. Over the last 8
years, the Partnership as secured funding to design and construct the majority
of the trail corridor. We anticipate the entire 35-mile trail will be in place
within the next two years.
The criteria for the trail corridor location were based on
a variety of factors including physical connectivity, recreation and
interpretive opportunities, and trail management and maintenance. The trail was
located to eliminate interaction with automobiles and other elements that would
compromise the safety and enjoyment of trail users. The trail was located
primarily on public lands outside the grow-out boundaries of the Las Vegas
Valley to separate urban development and trail use. Existing utility corridors
were selected for the trail corridor to minimize any new disturbance and to
maintain a general natural setting surrounding the trail.
DIRECT CONFLICTS:
Ø
Contemplative Views - The Trail is designed for
pedestrian, bicycle and equestrian use. The proposed heliport site is located
at the crest of the Railroad Pass, providing the one of the most spectacular
views of the Las Vegas Valley. Development of this site for helicopter use
would compromise the setting as a contemplative viewpoint.
Ø
Trail User Safety - There are several safety issues
related to heliport site development at this location. Equestrians and
helicopter noise on take-offs and landings are not compatible. Any access
road/drive or street will cross the trail creating a direct vehicle vs. trail
user conflict. This goes against one of our major trail development goals.
Ø
Bighorn Sheep - The lands within the 35-mile“loop
trail” are environmentally sensitive. The River Mountains are known for
supporting the highest density bighorn sheep populations in the nation. A
significant portion of the mountains is included within the boundary of Lake
Mead National Recreation Area. An additional portion of the mountain range is
administered by the Bureau of Land Management as an “Area of Critical
Environmental Concern” (ACEC) due to the importance of the bighorn sheep
population.
Ø
View Shed - The River Mountains form the
scenic backdrop for the eastern side of the Las Vegas Valley “View Shed”. For
the most part, the lands within the “loop” are in federal ownership and are
managed for the sensitive scenic and wildlife resources they contain. We
believe the local communities and Federal land management agencies should be
proactive in the protection of these unique natural resources.
Ø
Desert Tortoise - The lands in the vicinity of the
proposed heliport are also important for the desert tortoise, a threatened
species of the Mojave Desert. The foothills and gravel slopes of the River
Mountains are important habitat for this species and the area supports a dense
tortoise population. These public lands outside the grow-out boundary should be
managed to preserve this population.
Ø
Rich in History - The history of this area is also a
factor in planning for future use. The area is rich in the history of the
building of Hoover Dam and the early settlement camps that developed outside the
Federal encampment of Boulder City. These developments were predated by the
mining activities at the turn of the century when the area was known as the
Alunite Mining District. The proposed heliport would be located at the heart of
the historical Texas Acres Camp. Historic photographs show the site of the
Railroad Pass Schoolhouse where the heliport would be located. An interpretive
wayside exhibit is planned for this site along the Trail. It would be
unfortunate if this site is developed and lost as an interpretive opportunity to
the community and trail users.
Ø
Historic Railroad - The historic railroad
right-of-way underlies the proposed heliport site. In fact, the heliport
proposal encroaches on the historic railroad right-of-way held by the State of
Nevada. The railroad is continuing to be used and in the future will be
operated as a tourism-based interpretive ride between Boulder City and
Henderson. The State of Nevada has expressed their intent to maintain this
right-of –way. Development of the heliport may compromise this tourism
opportunity.
Ø
Impacts Residential, Commercial and College Campus -
The heliport site is close to new residential developments, commercial areas,
and the future Nevada State College campus. Also, the proposed flight corridors
would require helicopters to travel south through Railroad Pass and near the
Railroad Pass Hotel and Casino, the oldest in Southern Nevada. Such flights
could impact the operation of this facility.
Based on the above list of concerns associated with the
proposed heliport site, it is the recommendation of the River Mountains Trail
Partnership Advisory Council that the Bureau of Reclamation denies the proposal
and manages the lands for the purposes that have heretofore been identified and
approved.
Please find attached to this position
statement a colored map delineating the proposed Heliport site in relationship
to the Trail.
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